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Updated: May 30, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
[Testosterone substitution therapy in prostate cancer]
1Klinik für Urologie, Kliniken Maria Hilf GmbH, Viersener Str. 450, 41063 Mönchengladbach, Deutschland. angelika.kaminsky@mariahilf.de
Abstract:
After the fourth decade of life the total testosterone level in men decreases continually. If clinical symptoms, such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction are combined with a decreased serum testosterone level this is known as late onset hypogonadism (LOH) or partial androgen deficiency in the aging male (PADAM). In such cases testosterone substitution therapy is indicated. One important question is how to treat patients suffering from LOH but also have prostate cancer which was treated curatively in the past? Only relatively little data are available with small numbers of patients which show that testosterone substitution therapy is possible without an increased risk of a relapse in cases of cured prostate cancer. If the patient was cured it does not matter if radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy was used. It is mandatory that patients are well-informed about substitution therapy and that regular surveillance and controls are carried out during the therapy. For patients who still have prostate cancer which has not yet been treated or not yet cured decisions on whether the benefit of the testosterone replacement is greater than the potential risk of a progress of the disease have to be made on an individual case-specific basis.
Insights
Testosterone replacement therapy may be safe for men with a history of treated prostate cancer. Careful patient selection and regular monitoring are essential for managing late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Andrology
- Urology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Testosterone levels decline with age, potentially causing late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) or partial androgen deficiency in aging males (PADAM).
- LOH symptoms include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, often necessitating testosterone substitution therapy (TST).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TST in men with a history of successfully treated prostate cancer.
- To provide guidance on managing TST in patients with a history of localized prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on testosterone substitution therapy in men with prior curative treatment for prostate cancer.
- Analysis of patient outcomes regarding prostate cancer relapse and LOH symptom improvement.
Main Results:
- Limited data suggest TST is possible without increased relapse risk in patients with previously cured prostate cancer, irrespective of treatment modality (surgery or radiation).
- Regular surveillance and patient education are crucial for safe TST administration.
Conclusions:
- TST can be considered for men with a history of cured prostate cancer, provided regular monitoring is in place.
- For active or untreated prostate cancer, TST decisions require individualized risk-benefit assessment regarding disease progression.
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